Father Ivan Trujillo of Resurrection Parish in Batavia and a native of Boliva says he is very excited about the announcement of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the new pope. As a Jesuit, Father Ivan says, Bergoglio has a broader understanding of mission work.

“(The Jesuits) have schools, they have soup kitchens…In that sense I’m glad that the pope comes from South America – Argentina," he said. "And Argentina’s very close to Bolivia. Being a pope from there, I’m sure he’ll be trying to reach the most needy people.”

Father Ivan said he was visiting the prison in Attica yesterday when he heard from the business manager that a new pope had been voted in, so he rushed back in time for the official announcement. Father Ivan says he was impressed with Pope Francis from the start.

“At the moment I’m still a little bit shocked and so glad," Father Ivan said. "I wish the best for the pope and for the whole church. One thing that impressed me watching him was that he asked first to be blessed by the people. That was very nice symbolism that he will be for the people.”

South America’s Catholic community is the overwhelming majority, and Pope Francis is the first ever pope chosen from the continent. Father Ivan says he has confidence in Pope Francis.

“It’s a good time to celebrate," he said. "I know that there are many problems in the church. He’ll be a good asset for our universal church.”